A single Bratislava public transport guide is all you need to ride the city with confidence in 2026. City trams, buses and trolleybuses are run by DPB (Dopravný podnik Bratislava) inside the regional IDS BK fare system, so one ticket covers every city vehicle — including the airport trolleybus line 61 and the night buses. This guide gives you the official 2026 fares, purchase options, and practical tips so you can get from A to B without overpaying. (The seasonal river ferry to Devín Castle is the one exception: it needs a separate LOD ticket.)
Planning your days around transit is easy once you know the basics. If you only have 24 hours, our Bratislava 1 day itinerary maps out the route with exact stops; for longer stays, check the full Bratislava itinerary to match sightseeing spots with the best tram and bus routes, and read our dedicated Bratislava airport transfer guide for step-by-step airport-to-city instructions.
The standard 30-minute ticket costs €1.20 on paper or €1.09 by contactless bank card (TAPni sa) or in the IDS BK app; a 60-minute ticket is €1.80 paper / €1.60 electronic. Temporary half price: from 12 October to 10 November 2026, full fares are cut by 50% — €0.60 paper or €0.55 by card for 30 minutes. Children under 6 travel free.
Understanding the Bratislava Public Transport System in 2026
Turn this guide into a personal route with our free Bratislava itinerary planner.
Bratislava's city public transport (MHD) is operated by DPB and priced under IDS BK, the Integrated Transport System of the Bratislava Region. One ticket covers trams, buses and trolleybuses. IDS BK tickets are also valid on integrated suburban trains (ZSSK lines S8–S65 and R20–R60, Leo Express S70 and R70) within the zones and time printed on the ticket — but not on long-distance or international trains such as services to Vienna.
The whole city sits in zones 100 and 101. If you travel only within Bratislava, IDS BK says you only need to choose the ticket by its time validity — zones matter only for regional trips. Daytime services run from roughly 04:30 to 23:30 (airport line 61, for example, runs from about 04:30 until after 23:00); night buses (N-prefix routes) take over after that, leaving Hlavná stanica (the main railway station) together at 23:30, 00:00 and 00:30, then hourly until 03:30, with many lines also stopping at Hodžovo námestie.
Validation is mandatory. Stamp paper tickets in the validator as soon as you board; buy and activate an app ticket before you get on; tap your bank card on a TAPni sa validator when you board. Inspectors check regularly, and riding without a valid ticket costs €79 if paid on the spot, €89 if paid within 15 days, or €99 after that (DPB fines, valid from 1 April 2026).
2026 Bratislava Ticket Prices: Full Fare Table
The prices below are the standard IDS BK tariff, valid since 1 June 2025 (official IDS BK single tickets, checked 15 October 2026). Electronic tickets — the IDS BK app, a chip card, or a contactless bank card — are officially 10% cheaper than paper.
Single-Journey Tickets (city zones 100–101)
| Validity | Paper — Full | Paper — Reduced* | Electronic — Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | €1.20 | €0.60 | €1.09 |
| 60 minutes | €1.80 | €0.90 | €1.60 |
| 90 minutes (3 zones) | €2.40 | €1.20 | €2.12 |
| 120 minutes (4 zones) | €2.90 | €1.45 | €2.60 |
*Reduced fares apply to children from 6 until their 18th birthday, pupils and students until the day before their 26th birthday (with an ISIC or other recognised student card), and seniors 63+ with ID. Children under 6 travel free with a person over 15. Seniors 70+ ride free only with a registered SeniorPas; otherwise they pay the reduced fare (IDS BK discounts).
Day & Multi-Day Passes (city zones 100–101)
| Pass | Paper | Electronic (IDS BK app) |
|---|---|---|
| 24-hour pass | €5.40 | €4.85 |
| 72-hour pass | €10.70 | €9.68 |
| 7-day pass | — | €16.20 |
| 30-day pass (city only) | — | €40.50 |
Passes of 7 days or longer are sold only electronically, in the app or on a chip card (IDS BK day tickets). For most tourists staying 2–4 days, the 72-hour electronic pass at €9.68 offers the best value — unlimited rides across trams, buses, and trolleybuses for the price of roughly nine 30-minute card fares. If you pay by contactless card instead, TAPni sa caps your spending at €4.85 per day, so you never pay more than a 24-hour ticket.
Where to Buy Tickets in 2026
- Contactless bank card (TAPni sa) — tap a contactless card, phone or watch on a validator marked with the TAPni sa logo on DPB trams, trolleybuses and buses: €1.09 for 30 minutes, €1.60 for 60 minutes, with a €4.85 daily cap. Valid on city vehicles only, not on trains or regional buses (DPB).
- IDS BK app (iOS / Android) — buy and activate electronic tickets in English, including day tickets and passes; activate before boarding.
- Ticket machines — at major stops and stations; buy paper tickets before boarding and validate them on board.
- Newsstands & DPB customer centres — paper tickets; handy as a backup. See live timetables and fares online.
- SMS — only for phones on a Slovak mobile network (Orange, Telekom, O2, 4ka), so most foreign SIMs can't use it. Text 1140 for a 40-minute ticket (€1.20), 1100 for 70 minutes (€1.80) or 1124 for 24 hours (€5.40); there is no reduced-fare SMS ticket (DPB SMS ticket).
Trams, Buses & Trolleybuses: Which to Take
All three vehicle types use the same MHD ticket and stop format. The practical difference is geography. For background on the network, see the transit system overview:
- Trams — the backbone of the city centre and riverside, running frequently at peak times. Use the IDS BK app or Google Maps for the line you need. For Bratislava Castle, the Slovak National Museum recommends trolleybuses 44 or 47 from Hodžovo námestie to the Hrad or Zámocká stops, or a short uphill walk from the Old Town.
- Buses — cover residential areas and destinations beyond the tram network, such as line 29 to Devín. Most stops display timetables; Google Maps and the IDS BK app both offer real-time departures.
- Trolleybuses — electric buses running on overhead wires. They use ordinary two-digit line numbers shared with the bus range — for example 33, 44, 47 and the airport line 61 — so check the line rather than the number range. Three-digit numbers from 205 upwards are regional buses. Boarding is identical to regular buses.
Always board at marked stops, press the STOP button before your destination, and signal drivers at request stops by raising your hand. Use the IDS BK app's journey planner or Google Maps for real-time routing across all three modes.
Night Bus Network
After about 23:30 the daytime network winds down and night buses (N-routes) take over until early morning. They use the same tickets and prices as daytime services. According to the official IDS BK night timetables, the main hub is Hlavná stanica (main railway station), where lines such as N21, N31, N61 and N93 depart; many lines also stop at Hodžovo námestie. Night service runs from 23:30 to 04:30. The lines leave Hlavná stanica together at 23:30, 00:00, 00:30, 01:30, 02:30 and 03:30, with timed connections between lines (IDS BK night transport), so check your exact departure before you leave.
Night buses are a safe and budget-friendly alternative to taxis for returning from dinner or a show to your central Bratislava accommodation. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secured, as you would in any European city at night.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps as an MHD Alternative
MHD covers nearly everywhere visitors need to go, but taxis and ride-hailing apps fill the gaps — early airport departures, heavy luggage, or trips after night buses drop to an hourly frequency after 00:30.
- Bolt is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Bratislava, with drivers typically arriving within 3–5 minutes in the centre. A short hop across the Old Town runs about €4–8; airport transfers average €12–18 depending on traffic and time of day.
- Uber also operates in the city with comparable coverage and pricing, though with fewer active drivers than Bolt.
- Metered taxis (Fun Taxi, Major Taxi, and others) start around €3 plus roughly €1 per kilometre. Order by phone or app rather than flagging one down at a tourist-heavy rank, where flat quotes can run well above the metered rate.
A practical combination: ride line 61 or a night bus most of the way, then finish the last stretch by Bolt if your accommodation sits off the tram and bus grid. Always confirm the fare or start the meter before the car pulls away, and keep the app open to track the route.
Airport Bus 61: Getting to and from BTS
Line 61 — now a trolleybus line, though still widely called the airport bus — is the main public transport link between Bratislava Airport (BTS, stop Letisko) and the city. It runs from the airport to Hlavná stanica (main railway station, platform D) via Avion, Trnávka, Bajkalská, Trnavské mýto, Račianske mýto and Karpatská. It does not stop at Hodžovo námestie.
Under the timetable valid from 1 September 2026, departures run from the airport from about 04:45 to 23:29 and from Hlavná stanica from about 04:27 to 23:07. On weekdays it comes roughly every 10 minutes (every 6 minutes in the 14:00–17:00 peak); at weekends every 15 minutes in the morning and every 10 minutes from midday to evening. The full ride takes about 23–30 minutes (IDS BK city timetables).
The airport is inside the city zones, so a city ticket is enough. Because the scheduled journey is close to 30 minutes, a 60-minute ticket (€1.80 paper / €1.60 by card or app) is the safer choice, especially if you'll change to a tram at the station. The simplest option is to tap a contactless bank card on board or buy in the IDS BK app. After the day service ends, night line N61 links the airport with the centre on a different route: Letisko – Trnávka – Ružinov – Nivy – Centrum – Hodžovo námestie – Hlavná stanica.
Full step-by-step options including taxis and shared shuttles are covered in our Bratislava airport transfer guide.
Bratislava–Devín Ferry (LOD, seasonal)
The river boat to Devín Castle is one of Bratislava's most scenic journeys: about 90 minutes upstream on the Danube to Devín, and about 30 minutes back downstream to the city. It is operated by LOD, is not part of the MHD/IDS BK system, and needs a separate ticket bought from LOD.
2026 LOD Ferry Prices (Bratislava–Devín)
| Ticket type | Return | One-way (B→D) | One-way (D→B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | €25 | €23 | €20 |
| Child (age 2–12) | €19 | €18 | €17 |
| Student (ISIC) / Senior 60+ / Disabled | €22.50 | €20.70 | €18 |
| Bicycle / Dog | +€5 / +€3 | ||
2026 Season & Schedule
- Season: 2 April – 30 November 2026
- 2 April – 15 May: daily except Monday; Bratislava 10:00 → Devín 11:30, return Devín 13:30 → Bratislava 14:00
- 16 May – 18 September: daily except Monday; the morning sailing above plus an afternoon sailing (Bratislava 15:00 → Devín 16:30, return 18:30 → 19:00)
- 19 September – 31 October: Wednesday–Friday, Bratislava 09:00 → Devín 10:30, return 12:30 → 13:00; Saturday–Sunday the same plus Bratislava 14:00 → Devín 15:30, return 17:30 → 18:00
- November: weekends only, departing 09:00 and returning from Devín at 12:30
- Sailings can be cancelled when the Danube is low — check LOD's official Bratislava–Devín page before you go. Prices are listed as "from" prices.
If the boat isn't running, city bus 29 reaches Devín on a standard MHD ticket. Pair either option with a visit to the fortress ruin and the Danube–Morava confluence — our Devín Castle guide covers entry prices and what to see once you arrive.
Day Trips from Bratislava by Train and Bus
Bratislava's position on the Danube puts several major cities within reach for a half-day or full-day trip, using the same Hlavná stanica (Main Railway Station) that anchors the MHD network. Longer-distance and international fares sit outside the IDS BK city ticket system — buy them directly from ZSSK, RegioJet, or Flixbus.
- Vienna, Austria — ÖBB REX regional trains run about twice an hour: from Hlavná stanica to Wien Hauptbahnhof in about 56 minutes, and from Bratislava-Petržalka in about 59 minutes. Fares are set by ÖBB/ZSSK — check the ÖBB Bratislava-Ticket page. Coaches from Mlynské Nivy bus station start from about €4.90 (RegioJet), €5.98 (FlixBus) and €9.90 (Slovak Lines) when booked online.
- Trnava — about two trains an hour from Hlavná stanica: the ZSSK Ex takes about 31 minutes and the R50 regional train about 42 minutes (check fares at zssk.sk), an easy half-day option for the historic old town and its churches.
- Devín village — besides the seasonal LOD boat covered above, city bus 29 runs from Most SNP (the UFO bridge) to the Hrad Devín stop in about 20 minutes, about every 15 minutes on weekday daytimes (every 30 minutes early and late at weekends). Devín is part of Bratislava (zones 100+101), so a standard city ticket covers it.
Vienna tickets are not covered by IDS BK; book them through ZSSK, RegioJet or Flixbus, or at the counter inside Hlavná stanica. Mlynské Nivy bus station, a short walk from the Old Town, is also the main hub for longer coach routes to Budapest and Prague.
Travel Tips for Public Transport in Bratislava 2026
- Just tap your card. A contactless bank card on a TAPni sa validator is the easiest option for visitors, and the €4.85 daily cap stops you overpaying.
- Download IDS BK for multi-day passes. The English-language app sells the 72-hour ticket and longer passes, which aren't available by card tap.
- Validate immediately. Stamp paper tickets on boarding; activate app tickets before you board. An unvalidated ticket — even a purchased one — can earn you a €79 on-the-spot fine.
- 72-hour pass for multi-day visits. At €9.68 electronic, it undercuts a handful of single rides and frees you from thinking about tickets entirely.
- Use the half-price period. Travelling before 10 November 2026? Full fares are halved automatically on paper, app, card and SMS tickets.
- Google Maps + IDS BK for routing. Both show real-time departures and can handle intermodal connections (tram → bus → train).
- Watch your belongings. Busy tram routes attract pickpockets; keep valuables in front, zipped pockets.
- Bratislava CARD for attraction discounts. The version with transport (24h €30, 48h €36, 72h €39) includes unlimited travel in all IDS BK zones — trains and night lines included — plus free entry to 23 sights and a free walking tour; one child under 18 travels free with the holder (IDS BK). A cheaper version without transport is also sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a single ticket in Bratislava in 2026?
The standard 30-minute ticket costs €1.20 on paper or €1.09 by contactless bank card or in the IDS BK app. A 60-minute ticket is €1.80 paper or €1.60 electronic. Children under 6 ride free; children 6–17, students under 26 and seniors 63+ pay reduced fares (€0.60 for 30 minutes on paper). From 12 October to 10 November 2026, full fares are temporarily halved — €0.60 paper or €0.55 by card for 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest day pass for tourists in Bratislava in 2026?
The 24-hour ticket costs €4.85 electronically (€5.40 on paper), and paying by contactless card caps your daily spend at the same €4.85. The 72-hour electronic ticket is €9.68 and covers unlimited rides on all trams, buses, and trolleybuses for three days — the best value for most tourists. A 7-day pass costs €16.20 and is sold only electronically. During the half-price period (until 10 November 2026) the 24-hour paper ticket is €2.70.
How do I get from Bratislava Airport to the city centre by public transport?
Take trolleybus line 61 from the Letisko stop to Hlavná stanica (main railway station). It runs from about 04:45 to 23:29 from the airport, every 6–15 minutes depending on the time of day, and takes about 23–30 minutes. A 60-minute ticket (€1.80 paper, €1.60 by card or app) is the safe choice. Line 61 doesn't stop at Hodžovo námestie; at night, line N61 runs to the centre via Nivy and Hodžovo námestie.
Can I use SMS to buy a Bratislava bus ticket?
Only with a Slovak SIM card (Orange, Telekom, O2 or 4ka) — foreign numbers can't buy SMS tickets. Texting 1140 buys a 40-minute ticket (€1.20), 1100 a 70-minute ticket (€1.80) and 1124 a 24-hour ticket (€5.40); buy it before boarding. SMS tickets are valid only on DPB city transport. Most visitors should tap a contactless bank card on board or use the IDS BK app instead.
Is there a ferry from Bratislava to Devín Castle?
Yes — LOD runs a seasonal boat from Bratislava to Devín from 2 April to 30 November 2026. It sails daily except Monday until 18 September, Wednesday–Sunday from 19 September to 31 October, and weekends only in November. A return adult ticket costs €25; children aged 2–12 pay €19 return. The trip upstream takes about 90 minutes and the return about 30 minutes. It needs a separate LOD ticket, and sailings can be cancelled in low water.
Are night buses safe in Bratislava for tourists?
Night buses in Bratislava are generally safe for tourists. N-routes leave the main hub at Hlavná stanica at 23:30, 00:00 and 00:30, then hourly until 03:30, and many also stop at Hodžovo námestie in the centre. Standard tickets are valid at the same prices as daytime. Keep valuables secure and stay alert, as you would on any late-night transit.
Key Takeaways
- A 30-minute ticket costs €1.20 on paper or €1.09 by contactless card or app in 2026 — and full fares are halved from 12 October to 10 November 2026.
- Validate or activate your ticket when you board; fines start at €79 if paid on the spot.
- The 72-hour electronic pass (€9.68) is the best value for tourists staying 2–4 days; contactless card payments cap at €4.85 a day.
- Buy tickets by tapping a bank card on board, in the IDS BK app, from machines or newsstands; SMS tickets need a Slovak SIM.
- Trolleybus 61 links Bratislava Airport (BTS) with Hlavná stanica; night line N61 takes a different route via the centre.
- The seasonal LOD boat to Devín (2 April–30 November 2026) costs €25 return for adults and is ticketed separately from IDS BK.
- Night buses run 23:30–04:30 from Hlavná stanica (half-hourly until 00:30, then hourly), many via Hodžovo námestie, on standard tickets.
This Bratislava public transport guide gives you everything you need to navigate the city like a local in 2026. Tap your card or download the IDS BK app, grab a 72-hour pass if you are staying a few days, and you are ready to explore. Start planning your time with our full Bratislava itinerary — it pairs every major sight with the tram or bus line that gets you there. Explore related insights at Bratislava experiences.